On Tuesday in the Saulkrasti municipality, within the Skulte port area, a fishing vessel was pushed by a large ice mass as wind directions changed rapidly in Riga Bay. This significant ice buildup caused the ship to tilt dangerously after it was displaced from its canal mooring, prompting a decision to evacuate the five crew members aboard for safety reasons. The information was reported by Baiba Stjade, a representative of the Saulkrasti municipality.

Following an assessment of the situation, the National Armed Forces (NBS) were requested to assist in the evacuation operation due to the risks posed by the tilt of the ship. The NBS Air Force confirmed that the request for assistance was initiated by the Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC). The ship was found off Skulte port, where a significant ice buildup was affecting its stability and potentially endangering the lives of the people on board.

Complicated weather conditions and the presence of ice made it impossible for rescue services to reach the ship by foot or boat, necessitating the use of an NBS helicopter for the operation. The successful evacuation of the crew highlights the challenges faced by maritime services during winter conditions and stresses the importance of safety measures in potentially hazardous situations.